Catherine Stefani

Stories

Newsom signs 15 LGBTQ and abortion protection laws in final year

As of September 2026: Authored AB 2540 and AB 1696

Gavin Newsom leaves office in January. In his final months, he signed 15 new laws expanding abortion access and LGBTQ protections in California.

Updated Sep 28

California signs law raising penalties for sideshow participation

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Active legislator

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law on September 21 that raises penalties for participating in sideshows, the illegal street stunt events that have disrupted Bay Area intersections for years. The law, Assembly Bill 1588, was authored by San Francisco Assemblymember Catherine Stefani and sponsored by Mayor Daniel Lurie.

Updated Sep 21

California funds free legal counsel for SF domestic violence survivors

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Secured $1.5 million in the state budget for DV legal services

San Franciscans voted in June 2022 to guarantee free lawyers to domestic violence survivors. More than four years later, the city still hadn't funded the promised legal services. Now the state is stepping in with $1.5 million to pay for it.

Updated Sep 17

Alioto's Plaza opens at Fisherman's Wharf in redevelopment push

Built World

As of September 2026: Representing San Francisco in the State Assembly

A 97-year-old restaurant that anchored Fisherman's Wharf is now a public plaza with picnic tables, Bay-facing benches, and a beer garden. Mayor Daniel Lurie cut the ribbon Wednesday, calling the space "a new reason to return" to San Francisco's most tourist-heavy neighborhood.

Updated Sep 6

Notable Quotes

These services are essential health care, full stop. Yet too many community college students face real barriers to accessing care.

from Newsom signs 15 LGBTQ and abortion protection laws in final year · Updated Sep 28

Sideshows are dangerous, reckless, and can turn deadly in an instant. AB 1588 makes sure people who repeatedly put our communities at risk face real consequences.

from California signs law raising penalties for sideshow participation · Updated Sep 21

I am proud to have secured $1.5 million in the state budget to finally turn that right into a reality. It is past time survivors had access to the legal representation they deserve.

from California funds free legal counsel for SF domestic violence survivors · Updated Sep 17

"Today, we celebrate a new chapter for this beloved neighborhood by honoring its deep roots in the fishing industry and the countless Italian immigrants and families who helped shape the wharf." — Catherine Stefani

from Alioto's Plaza opens at Fisherman's Wharf in redevelopment push · Updated Sep 6